FairBreak Invitational 2022 | Wyatt-Athapaththu stifle Spirit; incredible Rumana couldn't stop Tornadoes' force

On May 14, the semi-finals for the first-ever edition of the Fairbreak Women’s T20 concluded. Falcons Women stifled Spirit Women in the first semi-final, while Barmy Army Women faced a tornado named Tornadoes Women in the second semi-final.

Danielle Wyatt and Chamari Attapaththu take Falcons to Finals

Batting first, the Falcons Women team had a great start with the experienced campaigner Danielle Wyatt and Chamari Attapaththu hitting delightful boundaries and stitching a 132-run stand. 

The Sri Lankan perished for well–made 63 off 52 deliveries, with seven fours and two sixes. Then, Wyatt accelerated the run rate before getting dismissed for 83 off 48 balls. The Falcons posted a total of 172 on the board. 

In reply, Nattakan Chantam and Sophia Dunkley provided a stable start to the team with 40+ contributions. However, after their departures, the likes of Bismah Maroof and Nicola Carey could not offer contributions, and the late flourish from Sophie Ecclestone (29*) was not enough as the Spirit lost the game.

Brief scores:

Falcons - 172/2 (18.4)

Danielle Wyatt 83 (48), Chamari Attapaththu 63 (52);

Nicola Carey 2/30 (4)

Spirit - 147/5 (20)

Sophia Dunkley 45 (30), Nattakan Chantam 42 (40);

Anju Gurung 2/26 (4)

Falcons won by 25 runs. 

Tornadoes secure a thrilling victory against Barmy Army

Barmy Army batted first and had a disappointing start with the openers Deandra Dottin and Kavisha Edodage getting dismissed by Diana Baig. Laura Wolvaardt could not trouble the scores much as well. However, a 46-run stand between Heather Knight (31) and Shemaine Campbell (31) brought the team back on track. After that, Sana Fatima scored 21 and Rumana Ahmed provided an excellent finish with 35 off 15 to post 141. 

In response, Sophie Devine (37) and Sterre Kalis (34) provided an excellent start to the team. However, their wickets opened corridors of uncertainties, as Stafanie Taylor and Aliya Riaz were dismissed for 12 and 15, respectively. However, the grit shown by Sune Luus (26) brought the team close, and Daina Baig played well under pressure to chase down the score in the last over. It was a terrific effort from Ahmed with the ball as well, as she returned with three wickets.

Brief Scores:

Barmy Army 141/6 (20)

Rumana Ahmed 35 (15), Heather Knight 31 (25);

Daina Baig 2/32 (4)

Tornadoes- 142/6 (19.4) 

Sophie Devine 37 (26), Sterre Kalis 34 (41)

Rumana Ahmed 3/23 (4), Henriette Ishimwe 2/27 (4)

Tornadoes won by four wickets.